Identity Theft
My Identity Was Stolen — What Do I Do First?
If someone is using your personal information, this Guide puts the first steps in order: contact the companies involved, report the theft, and protect your credit.
Is this Guide for you?
Someone used your name, Social Security number or other personal information to open accounts, make charges, file taxes or claim benefits. Or you have strong signs that they did.
This Guide helps you
- Contact the companies where your information was misused
- Report identity theft and get a recovery plan
- Place a fraud alert and check your credit reports
- Know who to contact about taxes, work, medical care or benefits
You'll answer 4 short questions. Then you'll get a plan with the steps in order. Your answers stay in this browser tab. They aren't saved, and they aren't sent to Defend.
Based on guidance from U.S. Department of Labor, Equifax, Federal Trade Commission, Experian, TransUnion and Social Security Administration. Sources last checked August 21, 2026.